Аннотация:The article describes a new approach to the study of loess soil origin. The approach is based on differential analysis of the distribution of the main bedrock-forming minerals – quartz and feldspars. Two criteria afford to determine the role of cryogenic processes, aeolian and water sedimentation in the development of loess: the Cryogenic contrast coefficient (KKK) and the Heavy minerals distribution coefficient.
Key words: loess, granulometric and mineralogical content, cryogenesis, cryolithozone, periglacial zone, historical and genetic approach